Album Info
| Artist: | Miles Davis |
| Album: | Quiet Nights |
| Released: | Europe, 22 Sept 2023 |
Tracklist:
| A1 | Song #2 | 1:35 |
| Written-By - Evans, Davis | ||
| A2 | Once Upon A Summertime | 3:25 |
| Written-By - Barclay, Marnay, Mercer, LeGrand | ||
| A3 | Aos Pes Da Cruz | 4:14 |
| Written-By - Goncalves, Pinto | ||
| A4 | Song #1 | 4:32 |
| Written-By - Evans, Davis | ||
| B1 | Wait Till You See Her | 4:02 |
| Written-By - Hart Rodgers | ||
| B2 | Corcovado | 2:41 |
| Written-By - Jobim | ||
| B3 | Summer Night | 6:03 |
| Written-By - Dubin, Warren |
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Description
Miles Davis's "Quiet Nights," released in 1963, is a unique entry in the legendary trumpeter's discography. This album marks the final collaboration between Davis and the renowned arranger and composer Gil Evans, with whom he had previously created masterpieces such as "Miles Ahead," "Porgy and Bess," and "Sketches of Spain." "Quiet Nights" is often noted for its bossa nova influences, a genre that was gaining international popularity at the time, largely due to the success of artists like Antônio Carlos Jobim and João Gilberto.
The album consists of six tracks, with a total running time of just over 25 minutes, making it one of the shortest albums in Davis's catalog. The brevity of the album is partly due to the fact that it was released amidst some controversy and dissatisfaction from Davis himself. He was reportedly unhappy with the album, feeling that it was incomplete and released prematurely by Columbia Records. This dissatisfaction stemmed from the fact that Davis and Evans had intended to record more material, but the sessions were cut short.
The opening track, "Song No. 2," sets the tone with its lush orchestration and Davis's signature muted trumpet sound. The influence of bossa nova is immediately apparent, with the gentle, swaying rhythms and the subtle interplay between the trumpet and the orchestra. The title track, "Quiet Nights (Corcovado)," is a rendition of the classic bossa nova tune by Antônio Carlos Jobim. Davis's interpretation is both respectful and innovative, maintaining the song's serene quality while adding his own unique touch.
"Once Upon a Summertime" is another highlight of the album, featuring a delicate arrangement that complements Davis's lyrical trumpet playing. The track showcases Evans's ability to create rich, textured backgrounds that allow Davis's improvisations to shine. "Wait Till You See Her," a Rodgers and Hart composition, is given a tender treatment, with Davis's trumpet conveying a sense of longing and introspection.
"Blue Xmas (To Whom It May Concern)" is an outlier on the album, both in terms of its style and its inclusion. This track, featuring vocals by Bob Dorough, is a satirical take on the commercialization of Christmas. Its inclusion on "Quiet Nights" is somewhat puzzling, as it contrasts sharply with the rest of the album's mood and theme.
The final track, "Bossa Nova," is an original composition by Davis and Evans. It encapsulates the spirit of the album, blending jazz and bossa nova elements seamlessly. The track features intricate arrangements and showcases the chemistry between Davis and Evans, even if the album as a whole feels somewhat unfinished.
Despite its shortcomings, "Quiet Nights" is an important part of Miles Davis's body of work. It represents a period of transition for Davis, who would soon move on to explore new musical territories with his Second Great Quintet and later delve into jazz fusion. The album also serves as a testament to the enduring partnership between Davis and Gil Evans, highlighting their ability to push the boundaries of jazz and incorporate diverse musical influences.
In retrospect, "Quiet Nights" may not be as celebrated as some of Davis's other collaborations with Evans, but it offers a glimpse into the creative process of two of jazz's most innovative figures. The album's blend of jazz and bossa nova, while not fully realized, paved the way for future explorations of these genres. For fans of Miles Davis and Gil Evans, "Quiet Nights" is a worthwhile listen, offering moments of beauty and introspection amidst its imperfections.
